So that you’ve been to Taipei earlier than. Sure, everybody and their grandma have heard of or have been to Taipei 101, Shilin Night time Market, Ximending, and the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial. However for those who suppose you’ve seen all of it, Taipei’s right here to say, “Wait, maintain my bubble tea.”
Taipei is one metropolis we like to preserve visiting many times as a result of each time we do, we uncover one thing we haven’t seen earlier than. On our most up-to-date journey, we went off the crushed path and dove into Taipei’s quirky underbelly, the place graffiti artwork meets peaceable temples, heart-shaped ponds pop up subsequent to wobbly bridges, and hidden markets are stuffed with Michelin-worthy bites.
So for those who’re able to unlock a brand new stage of Taipei that’ll make your Instagram followers go, “Wait, the place is that?” — buckle up. Listed below are among the most underrated sights within the Taiwanese capital the place you received’t be dodging selfie sticks and big tour teams.
1. Jian Tan Shan Mountaineering Path & North Eye Platform
In the case of climbing for an superior Taipei view, the go-to vacation spot has all the time been Elephant Mountain. However this isn’t the one one!
Taipei is surrounded by mountains, and when you’ve got mountains you’ve got climbing trails and lookouts. The Jian Tan Shan Path in Shilin, whereas frequented principally by locals, can be worthy of a trek. It affords panoramic views of Taipei’s skyline which can be breathtaking —- figuratively and generally actually.
Tucked within the forested slope simply behind the Grand Resort, the beginning of the path just isn’t that straightforward to seek out. It’s not as crowded, however a lot of the pathway is paved and staired, so it’s beginner-friendly and also you received’t fear about getting misplaced. OK, scratch that, spoiler alert: We bought misplaced. However solely as a result of it’s punctuated with a number of viewpoints, we didn’t know which was which!
You see, our finish aim was to succeed in the so-called North Eye Platform, an remark deck the place we may catch peeks of iconic buildings on the opposite aspect of the town. However there have been plenty of lookouts, we didn’t know if we had been following the right signal. We even stumbled upon a quiet shrine that additionally permits unimaginable vistas, so all’s good!
However simply earlier than sunset, we had been capable of finding the white railings of the North Eye Platform, and it was value all the hassle and confusion. They are saying it’s much more gorgeous at sundown, however sadly the sky was overcast throughout our go to. The very best half? Other than a few locals, we had been the one ones there!
On the best way down, we additionally made a cease at among the different viewpoints to admire the town lights! Sure, Taipei 101 is seen from among the stops, too, on the opposite aspect.
2. Bishanyan Temple
Taipei has no scarcity of majestic, ornate temples, however one website has an edge with regards to its setting –- Bishanyan Temple. Hidden within the peaks of the Neihu District, this not only a place of worship but in addition a implausible viewpoint.
Perched on a hillside, Bishanyan Temple affords sweeping views of Taipei, stated to be particularly magical at sundown. We visited on a wet, foggy morning, so the solar was absent and the view was thinly shrouded. However we may completely think about how spectacular the view is from right here on common fair-weather days.
View apart, there’s lots to adore on this temple. The structure is wealthy intimately, with dragon-covered columns and complicated carvings. You’ll really feel such as you’re in the course of an historical legend as you wander the grounds. Plus, in contrast to at most metropolis temples, the ambiance right here is serene. Even when vacationers are round, there’s a hush to the place that makes it really feel sacred and peaceable. Seize a spot, take within the metropolis views, and get in contact together with your interior zen.
Not too distant from the temple is Baishihu Suspension Bridge, which swings gently as you cross, supplying you with simply the correct amount of thrill. I’m saying that within the second particular person as a result of it was briefly closed throughout our go to.
Nonetheless, we bought to drop by the very Instagrammable star right here: the heart-shaped pond close by. It’s a unusual little characteristic, excellent for couple images or only a distinctive selfie spot.
3. Guandu
Beitou is best-known for its sizzling springs, however there may be much more to on this nook of northern Taipei. One of many locations in Beitou that’s typically neglected by vacationers is Guandu, identified for its wealthy pure magnificence and gorgeous riverside surroundings.
It’s the place you’ll discover Guandu Nature Park, a sprawling wetland the place birdwatchers can spot each native and migratory birds. Contained in the customer heart, you’ll discover interactive installations that inform the story of the location from being a dump website to the sanctuary that it’s right now. And on the second flooring are big binoculars to observe the wildlife, particularly birds.
However why keep inside when you may expertise the outside? There’s a crab-watching walkway, a crescent-shaped pond, and quite a few tree tunnels, with nature-inspired artworks right here and there. You may stroll alongside wood trails and take within the marshy landscapes which can be very calming, contemplating you’re nonetheless inside Taipei.
However that’s simply the beginning! It’s additionally dwelling to Guandu Temple, formally often known as Ling An Temple. It’s a historic gem devoted to Mazu, the goddess of the ocean and protector of sailors and fishermen. One of many oldest in Taiwan, Guandu Temple’s roots could be traced again to 1661. However probably the most attention-grabbing bit? It was carved into the aspect of a mountain.
Judging from the street by the doorway, we really thought it was fairly small, however once we entered, we had been greeted by a deep, winding cave tunnel, adorned with statues, altars, and stone reliefs, resulting in a small shrine. The expertise offers a extra religious, virtually otherworldly really feel. And when you make it to the opposite aspect, you’ll discover extra buildings together with a pagoda, a number of halls, and a manicured backyard with unnaturally square-shaped timber. However that’s not the top of it. From right here, you’ll additionally get to take pleasure in an exquisite view of the realm.
For those who get hungry, simply throughout the road lies the Guandu Meals Park, the place you may seize fast snacks.
And beside it’s Guandu Wharf, subsequent to Tamsui River, the place you may take pleasure in a ship trip or a bicycle trip. It’s very quiet throughout the day, however from late afternoon till the night, it involves life as meals stalls open and locals start to flock across the space.
4. Taipei EYE Theater
To be sincere, I’m undecided if I ought to embrace this on this checklist as a result of it’s not precisely “off-the-beaten-path”. Whereas not as off-the-radar as, say, an obscure temple or a tiny neighborhood market, it’s positively much less crowded and extra low-key in comparison with Taipei’s main vacationer hotspots. Many vacationers miss it in favor of larger sights.
Taipei EYE is the place to be for a style of conventional opera, acrobatics, and people dance. It’s a showcase of performing arts, with a twist! Generally, literal twist. The present we had the pleasure to see was known as Monkey King, based mostly on a Chinese language legend. However we’re getting forward of ourselves right here.
Earlier than the present, we tried a number of free actions out there on website, like coloring a conventional masks like a pre-schooler or producing stamp arts like a professional. I spent most of my time ending a masks, whereas Vins was very happy with his paper creations. You may additionally attempt on elaborate costumes, store for souvenirs, and watch the actors do their make up for the present.
And when it’s showtime, we sat again, relaxed, and watched the story unfold. And man was it phenomenal! It was an amazing mix of drama, singing, dancing, and stunts! The actors had been all nice. Video recording isn’t allowed, however pictures with out flash is OK so listed here are some pics.
Don’t fear in case your Mandarin is rusty or non-existent; the drama and expressions say all of it. Plus, there are subtitles in English, Korean, and Japanese, so you actually received’t get misplaced.
It was so good, I really imagine it deserves extra consideration.
5. Taipei Cinema Park
Taipei’s map is shaded with numerous parks. We’ll be mentioning a couple of on this article, however that is maybe probably the most alive and colourful. This isn’t your common park. Hidden away within the fashionable Ximending space, Taipei Cinema Park is a movie-themed advanced with open areas and outside installations, the place native and worldwide avenue artists unleash their creativity. On the heart of it’s this indoor gallery with artworks and images that narrate the historical past of the location.
But it surely’s additionally a spot the place artwork, city grit, and a splash of weirdness collide. It’s surrounded by graffiti-covered partitions that make you’re feeling such as you’ve wandered right into a rebellious teenager’s sketchbook. The park is an open canvas the place native artists exhibit their expertise with vibrant avenue artwork.
We first visited it at night time, and we stumbled upon this nook that seem like it got here from an otaku’s fever dream. The Japanese affect right here is so sturdy that I even joked that I’d see Mt. Fuji from right here. And I child you not, I did see Mt. Fuji right here. It was only a wall portray, however nonetheless.
We additionally noticed Wow Land, a room stuffed with claw machines and prizes, from kitschy toys to snacks to drinks. Now, you’ll discover hundreds of claw machines scattered all through the town, however what units this place aside is that it isn’t rigged (or not as rigged because the others). You probably have the talent, you could possibly really win one thing. Vins and I had a area day right here. Spent simply NT$ 40 (it’s NT$ 10 per recreation) and went dwelling with sweets, Milkis drink, and a toy. Not unhealthy, not unhealthy in any respect. It’s simply so good to not be duped by these machines for a change.
Even for those who’re not into claw machines or avenue artwork, the park is a haven for people-watching and impromptu photoshoots. It’s a slice of Taipei’s cool, youthful aspect—unpolished however wildly fascinating.
We visited it once more within the daytime, and we really favored it higher at night time, so simply go to after sunset.
6. Xinzhongshan Park & Chifeng Avenue
Xinzhongshan Park is an enthralling linear park working from Zhongshan Station to Shuanglian Station within the Zhongshan District. It’s a little bit of an area favourite hidden retreat, particularly for individuals who desire a quiet spot to loosen up away from Taipei’s busier areas. The park has well-maintained strolling paths, lush timber, and open areas the place you’ll typically discover individuals unwinding, buying, or simply having fun with the peaceable setting. Beneath lies Underground Guide Avenue, excellent for bookworms on the market.
Some of the attention-grabbing options of Xinzhongshan Park is its proximity to Chifeng Avenue and its surrounding blocks, a classy space identified for its indie boutiques, native cafes, and inventive vibe. However what stole our consideration right here was the Coach Play – sure, that model — a classy fusion of a café and a retail house. The menu has a choice of coffees, teas, and a few pastries.
However there are a lot of different cafes right here which can be value your buck and time. My favourite spot is R9 Café’s mural that includes varied espresso lovers!
Collectively, Xinzhongshan Park and Chifeng Avenue supply a mixture of nature, tradition, and creativity—perfect for anybody desirous to discover a lesser-known aspect of Taipei!
For those who get hungry, stroll a bit to Chuan Mu Yuan, a hole-in-the-wall eatery serving Michelin-approved beef pancakes, served like a burrito. It’s probably the greatest dishes we’ve had in Taipei and was completely definitely worth the stroll.
It was the right combination of candy and savory, and meaty and starchy. Their crimson bean pancakes are additionally one thing to write down dwelling about! We additionally had fried rice, beef noodles, and xiao lengthy bao, however it’s actually their pancakes that you need to order.
7. Taipei Expo Park & Maji Sq.
For one thing quirky and colourful, head to Taipei Expo Park, full of character and enjoyable surprises, making it a enjoyable marriage of artwork, tradition, and meals. Initially the location for the 2010 Taipei Worldwide Flora Expo, the park now serves as a year-round hotspot for festivals, markets, and pop-up occasions.
One of many highlights is Maji Sq., a meals court docket subsequent to the park the place meals stalls, artisanal retailers, and outside cafes create a market-like environment. It’s a spot to munch on native and worldwide fare (Indian, Italian, Korean!), purchase quirky souvenirs, and revel in reside music.
On our most up-to-date journey, this wasn’t a part of our authentic plan. We had been speculated to go to an out of doors market nevertheless it was raining and we wanted a Plan B, and Maji Sq. has a roof above it, so we got here right here as a substitute. And good factor we paid it a go to! We actually loved this space. However our native companion Nelly stated it’s particularly enjoyable within the evenings when the lights come on, and the place buzzes with power. It’s bought a pageant power all yr spherical, making it excellent for informal get-togethers.
On the outskirts of the park lies Linji Huguo Temple, a lesser-known cultural treasure in Taipei. It’s a Buddhist temple that isn’t as crowded as Longshan Temple. It’s identified for its elegant, conventional design. One distinctive side of Linji Huguo is its emphasis on the Linji faculty of Zen Buddhism, identified for its concentrate on interior peace and knowledge. It’s an ideal spot to get a glimpse of Taipei’s religious aspect.
8. Huashan 1914 Inventive Park
Initially inbuilt 1914 as a sake distillery, the Huashan 1914 Inventive Park is an industrial advanced reworked right into a cultural and humanities heart. It has a uncooked, industrial look, full with uncovered partitions and open-air courtyards.
But it surely’s not all high-brow artwork right here; Huashan 1914 has loads of cafes, boutique retailers, and design studios scattered across the advanced, so it’s straightforward to spend a complete afternoon exploring. Whether or not you’re a devoted artwork lover, a espresso connoisseur, or simply somebody trying to escape Taipei’s typical vacationer spots, Huashan 1914 Inventive Park is a artistic playground that has one thing that’ll make you linger. For us, that one thing was ice cream and low.
I had a yogurt ice cream that tasted actually pure and home made, whereas Vins is simply all the time joyful along with his espresso.
9. Dihua Avenue
One of many oldest streets in Taipei, Dihua Avenue is extra just like the cool great-grandma of strolling streets within the metropolis. For the longest time, it was the locals’ go-to spot for tea, dried herbs, and textiles, nevertheless it has one way or the other managed to remain related throughout generations. It’s a pleasant mashup of historical past and hipster, with old-school herbalists side-by-side with glossy bookstores and retailers. Assume apothecaries rubbing shoulders with standard meals spots—the place else are you able to decide up some dried ginseng and scrumptious strawberry mochi and dried squid?
After which there’s the Xiahai Metropolis God Temple, the place hopeful or hopeless romantics make choices to the god of matchmaking. Yep, you learn that proper—this little temple is mainly Chinese language Cupid’s Taipei workplace, well-known for bringing like to the lovelorn. For those who’re feeling fortunate (or in determined want of romance), mild a couple of incense sticks and ask for a bit divine intervention in your love life.
Don’t count on a enjoyable, wild social gathering avenue, until it’s Lunar New Yr. More often than not, it’s very quiet. It’s extra like a reminiscence lane the place you may store, snack, and possibly even meet your soulmate—that’s, if the Metropolis God’s feeling beneficiant!
10. Uncrowded Night time Markets
Taipei is understood for its night time markets, particularly its three hottest: Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia. However the metropolis has lots extra that vacationers don’t often go to!
Considered one of them is Gongguan Night time Market, located near the Nationwide Taiwan College, which suggests (1) most of its common clients are college students, and (2) the costs are inexpensive! It’s fairly small. Tiny, in comparison with different night time markets, nevertheless it nonetheless has the mouthwatering aromas wafting from varied meals stalls and the fixed chatter from individuals having fun with scrumptious snacks.
On this market, don’t miss Hsiung Chi Scallion Pancake, a Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee. It’s stationed near the doorway to the market. You received’t miss it as a result of there’s often an extended queue snaking towards it. And naturally, we fell in line, too. It moved quick so we had been face-to-face with the flat grill very quickly. There’s an possibility so as to add cheese, ham, bacon, and egg. We ordered one plain and one with all our favourite trimmings, and we weren’t dissatisfied.
The pancakes had been half tender, half crispy, and totally scrumptious for its value. No marvel it has garnered a loyal following amongst locals!
One other spot to contemplate is Shuangcheng Avenue Night time Market, tucked away within the Daan District. It’s additionally very quick and small, however stuffed with choices from fruits like custard apples to Japanese pancakes to Taiwanese sausages.
Simply stroll throughout the close by park and also you’ll attain Huang Chi Lu Rou Fan, one other Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, well-known for its signature braised pork rice. It’s all the time full of clients, most ready for his or her takeaway containers. They serve pocket-friendly however comforting bowl of rice topped with tender, flavorful fatty pork bits that may have you ever dreaming about it lengthy after you’ve left. Fatty, sure, nevertheless it nonetheless ate clear.
Shuangcheng Avenue Night time Market can be adjoining Qingguang Market, a buying arcade lined with meals stalls, attire shops, and different trinkets catering principally to locals.
Taipei is bursting on the seams with underrated sights simply ready to be found — quirky temples, hidden night time markets, and scenic parks. They will not be as standard, however they provide an excellent look into Taipei’s native scene with out the touristy fluff. So even for those who’ve been to Taipei earlier than, go forward and e book that flight as a result of within the phrases of 1 international boy band, the most effective is but to return.
Sure, I do know it’s BTS they usually’re Korean, however I can’t consider something from F4 proper now. 😅
The place to Keep in Taipei
Listed below are among the resorts we have now tried in Taipei by means of the years.
Seek for extra Taipei Motels!
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